Measles in New Zealand

Nikki Turner discusses the management of measles in New Zealand. Nikki is an academic General Practitioner and an Associate Professor in the Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Auckland. She works part time as a GP in Wellington and is Director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC).

Topics

What is measles?
What do we need to look for?
How is the virus transmitted?
What precautions should we take in our surgery?
What do we do if we think we have a suspected case?
The management of measles and possible complications.
Vaccination strategy and MMR vaccine myths.
Should we use an antipyretic?
Is herd immunity enough?

Take home messages

It is perfectly feasible to be able to eradicate measles in NZ.
These vaccines are effective with a high safety rating.
Get immunised - measles is highly contagious and it can kill or cause brain damage.